With the announcement from the Prime Minster to 'Stay at Home' unless absolutely essential due to the worsening Coronavirus pandemic; Assess Energy Solutions has ceased all on-site survey work until further notice.
The acceditaion bodies who grant our software licence and insurance didn't instruct energy assessors to stop surveys but; they insisted on a full written risk assessment on each visit with a follow-up report detailling the survey and any face-to-face encounters with owners or tenants. This makes the surveys untenable and raises questions regarding liability and imdemnity insurance cover.
Whilst unable to do any new EPC assessments we are avaliable to answer questions regarding EPCs, energy saving and current legislation.
For owners, landlords, tenants and eatate agents the regulations are being eased at a local level with at least one district council writting to confirm there will be no action taken against landlords for failing to attain the minimum E grade for rental properties.
The industry is still waiting for difinitive guidence from UK Governmnet departments on the following short term recommnedations:
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
- Easing or postponing the regulations on implementation of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards 1st April 2020 legislation requiring all let properties to be above the F&G EPC bands or to have a registered exemption in place.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
- The requirement to provide a current EPC when a property is to be advertised for sale or let.
- The requirement to have a current EPC on completion of a property sale`
- Stay safe, keep your distance and protect the NHS